The Daily Echo understands that, contrary to reports in national newspapers, Saints have not contacted Stoke City regarding the 33-year-old defender, who has an estimated value of £500,000.

There has been widespread speculation that Saints will attempt to sign a new central defender this summer with Radhi Jaidi having retired leaving Jose Fonte, Jos Hooiveld, Aaron Martin and the recovering Dan Seaborne
as options in that area.

None of those four have played in the Premier League and Saints are keen to recruit some greater top flight experience into their squad.

Upson certainly fits that bill having spent virtually an entire career amongst English football’s elite, having won 21 caps for his country and played in a World
Cup. However, it is understood that no move has been made for Upson and that it is currently thought unlikely that any will be forthcoming.